Page 3 - AECA.org.uk ¦ Koinonia 68

Koinonia

THE JOURNAL OF THE ANGLICAN &

EASTERN CHURCHES ASSOCIATION

Editorial

THIS EDITION of Koinonia reaches you around the time of the Week of Prayer
for Christian Unity. At the start of a new calendar year, and this time of prayer,
it seems appropriate to reflect on the work and achievements of the AECA
over the last twelve months. Our Chairman, Father William Taylor gives his
summary:
2016 has been a remarkable year of blessing for all of us who work
in the field of Anglican-Orthodox relations. For the first time in
recent history, London hosted three Patriarchal visits – H.H.
Patriarch Irenej of Serbia, H.H. Patriarch Kyrill of Moscow and
all Russia, and H.H. Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphram II of the
Syriac Orthodox Church. Patriarch Irenej was here to
commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first non-Anglican to
preach in St Paul’s Cathedral, St Nikolai Velimirovich. Patriarch
Kyril was here to commemorate 300 years of Russian Orthodoxy
in London, and Patriarch Aphram was here for the consecration
of the new Syriac Orthodox cathedral in Acton. All three visits
marked milestones in our ongoing histories and relationships, and
all have resulted in new fields of practical co-operation, of which
more anon.

AECA has been closely involved in the preparation and delivery
of all three visits, underlining the central role AECA continues to
play in the development of Anglican Orthodox relations. We also
marked the retirement of our Anglican President, the Bishop of
London, at our annual reception for Orthodox clergy in October.
We were able to thank Bishop Richard for the pivotal role he has
played over decades as lead Bishop for relations with the
Orthodox Churches with the presentation of an icon of St

1